Plan for today was visit Windsor castle where Steve was doing public duties as a Green Jacket for Her Majesty in the early 80s but more about that shortly.
We had an enjoyable morning with Clare and Callum planning tomorrow's get together with them and Ashley. Callum guided us to Waterloo Station which still enthrals this Kiwi girl. Never have I been on the underground in my life at all and as I was saying to Ari the Tube has these really fast trains that are not only zooming below you but also above you and there are very steep escalators. If u can imagine a clock and it is 12 o'clock there is me going down at the 8 o'clock angle with locals zipping past me, jeepers, must keep to the right before they run me over
Callum and Clare told me The Angel is even more exciting with 6 levels and more steeper esculators.
Caught the train to Windsor and made our way to Windsor Castle and noticed that the Royal standard was flying and HRH was expecting us. We received our personal invitation complete with audio guide and felt assured that soon our names would be announced shortly for high tea with the Queen. As it so happened Prince Charles voice boomed into our ears extolling the virtues of his birth place and formative years where he grew up.
It was so exciting especially for Steve as he had served in London with 1RGJ, and had been involved in public at Windsor. We spent some of our time trying to track down a sentry box in which a certain antipodian rifleman had carved his nick-name during a late night stag. It was nowhere to be found!
We suspect Her Majesty has erected this monumental artefact in a prominent place more suited than where it was originally assigned.
By this time it had started to rain, in fact bucket down. We felt it best to head for the State Apartments and could only assume there was no word from Lizzie supposing we had cancelled due to the weather being poorly.
I must say we were suitably impressed with the lavish tapestries, dinner and many tea sets accrued by numerous monarchs (many as gifts) and not to omit the superb displays of armour and weaponry. King Henry VIII; a pint sized gent by today's standards; had his very own suit of armour displayed showing his ample tummy and adjustments for his even more ample rear end and increasing figure. Paintings from various artists adorned the numerous rooms we visited, many exceptional in the lifelike detail of the subjects. By the time we neared the end of the apartments many of the rooms began to look the same as did the painting and subjects. It was time to make our way to the exit! Sorry Liz, culture overload for these two Kiwis. We fast forwarded through and into the drizzle, down into the high street to find a well earned cup of coffee.
A little shopping therapy and it is back to the railway station (wrong one, they have two!) onto the train, as we have a date with the General to attend a friends 60th birthday.
We have been so kindly included in the belated birthday of Clare's dear friends and so warmly welcomed. Steve so proud of Clare's work on behalf of the underdog or voiceless; even more so as we learn more of her exploits as the evening progresses. We are entertained to the professional foot tapping music of Ruby's unique sound; the host and hostesses talented daughter; and her accompanying band. We again find ourselves in a dear English pub so cosy and comfortable and before the evening is out we are jiving as the band and music plays on to the small hours. Royal entertainment to the inth degree. We make our way back to the Oxo Hilton music and laughter still playing in our heads